At one time I had access to a whole drum of the salts and thought of setting up a 50 cal ammo can as a tank I could slide under a work bench when not in use. My shop was then and is now in my basement, so I decided to avoid the danger and possible smell, and just go with what I already knew. The smell was why I usually used water hardening steel for screws, D-bit reamers, etc. If I had to quench in oil, I tried to do it while my wife was gone shopping. It didn't always work, and we "discussed" the smell when she returned. I still think PhysDocs hot plate idea is a great one.
Mike
